by Nicole James
She tilts her head up and looks at me. “What?”
I cup her face and tell her what I’ve known for a while now, the words that have been gnawing at my insides, demanding to be spoken. “Babe, when you said I was your everything, it meant the fucking world to me. I don’t know how it happened, but somehow you wormed your way into my heart and you’ve become my fucking world. I’m in love with you, Michaela.”
A radiant smile blooms across her face and then she turns and looks at the headstone. “Did you hear that, Da? He said he loves me. He hasn’t asked me yet, but I want you to be the first to know, this is the man I’m going to marry.”
I swallow at her words. That’s a fucking lot to take in, and I can’t deny the jolt of terror that shoots through me. Not because she’ll be my ol’ lady, my wife, but because I’m terrified I’ll fuck it up, that I won’t be good enough for her. “You sure?” I ask, my words coming out like a croak.
She nods. “Never been more sure of anything in my life.”
I heft her up in my arms and she wraps her legs around me, then I turn and look back at the grave. “You hear that, Cullen? She loves me. And I’m gonna do everything in my power to make her happy, even if that means I end up tending bar in that damn pub of yours.” I take a step toward my bike as she giggles, but stop and turn back. “Oh, and one more thing, ol’ man. First boy we have, I’m naming him Cullen.”
Michaela buries her face in my neck and bursts into happy tears.
I carry her to my bike and let her slide down my body until her feet are on the pavement. I shake my head at her tears. “Good Lord, I never thought I’d end up with such a crybaby for my ol’ lady.”
A slug to my arm is my reward. I grin. I wouldn’t expect anything less.
Epilogue
Sly—
I’ve got Michaela tucked to my side as we enter Mooney’s Pub. It’s packed with family, brothers, and friends; they all yell out congratulations. The place is decorated with white streamers, balloons, and flowers. A tiered cake stands on a table by the windows.
We’ve just arrived back from the courthouse where we officially tied the knot. Of course, for me, it was official when I gave her a vest last week with Property of Sly on the back and made her my ol’ lady.
I knew that wasn’t enough for Michaela, though, so as they say, I “put a ring on it.”
Ma approaches, looking beautiful in a pretty blue dress and her hair all done up. Her smile is radiant as she cups my cheeks and studies my happy face. When she hugs me tight, my arms wrap around her.
“My boy. I’m so happy for you, Son. This is what I’ve wanted for you for so long.”
“To get hitched?”
“No, to know you found someone who’s going to fill your days with love and laughter and happiness, and one day soon, I hope, some babies for me to rock.”
I grin. “Not too soon, Ma. Michaela and me, we got some traveling to do first. She’s got some dreams of her own, and I want to see ’em happen before we get tied down with kids.”
“It’s good you want to give her that.” Then she winks. “But kids can travel too.”
I chuckle. “I love you, Ma, but you better not push Michaela on the grandkids stuff. You lay off until I tell you we’re ready, okay?”
She gives a sigh. “Oh, all right. But don’t keep me waiting forever.”
We stare at each other a long moment, and her eyes fill with tears.
“Ma, don’t. This is a happy day.”
She nods. “I know, and I am. You made it through, Son. All the hardships, you made it through to the other side.”
“I did. And now I want you to promise me something, Ma.”
“What’s that?”
“We let it all go. We both forgive ourselves and we let it go. Can you do that for me?”
“Okay. Promise.” She takes in a deep breath and exhales slowly. “It’s all gone. I’m not gonna look back anymore.”
“Good.” I give her another hug. “Now, go welcome your new daughter-in-law to the family.”
She pats my cheek with a wink and turns to seek out my bride.
My brothers surround me and slap me on the back, then drag me off to the bar for a shot. I take off the suit jacket I wore for the ceremony, knowing my lady deserved as much as I could do for her, especially since she didn’t get the wedding she’d always dreamed of at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral. Unfortunately, the church didn’t take too fondly of marrying her to a tattooed one-percent biker from an MC called Kings of Carnage.
It kills me that I’m the reason one of her girlhood dreams shattered and died on the sidewalk outside the church the day we went to meet the priest. But I’ve arranged a surprise for her that I hope goes at least a little ways in making up for it.
I glance back at my wife; lord, that word’s gonna take some getting used to, where her mother, Aunt Kathleen, Bethany, and Ma surround her. My eyes skate down over Michaela’s body. She’s dressed in a short white lace dress, not tight or revealing, yet the woman has never looked more beautiful to me. She’s still clutching the small bouquet of white roses from when we said our brief vows.
“So, you went through with it, huh?” North leans on his elbows next to me. I look over and nod.
“Best decision of my life.”
Bouncer leans on my other side. “Naw, man. Best decision of your life was becoming a King.”
I nod. “Both good decisions.”
Chaos comes over and slaps me on the back, his big hand lingering. “I like your old lady. She don’t take shit, and she’s got a nice bar she’s bringing to the family.”
I raise my brows. “It’s Mooney’s, and Mooney’s it’ll stay. Been in her family for generations. No shared asset here. It’s never gonna be club property.”
“Fine. But wouldn’t mind having some parties up here now and then.”
“I’m sure that’ll please her.”
Bash walks up. “Jinx just delivered your wedding present for Michaela. It’s out front.”
I down my drink, excited to give it to her. “Good. Let’s go.”
I make my way to my wife and grab her hand, then turn to the crowd. “Hey, everyone, come on outside. I’ve got a gift to give my bride. Now y’all keep quiet. It’s a surprise.”
Bash tosses me a bandana, and I look at Michaela. “Gonna blindfold you, kitten.”
“Are you serious?”
I grin. “Yep.”
I tie it around her head and lead her out the door, turning her to face the right direction. People are starting to hoot and holler, and I have to shush them all. I step behind Michaela and wrap my arms around her, then I dip my mouth to her ear. “I’m sorry you didn’t get your dream wedding, baby. Maybe this will make up for it.”
As soon as I pull off the bandana, she stares wide-eyed at the big RV parked at the curb and Buddy sitting next to it with a white bow around his neck. Her hands come up and cover her mouth.
“Don’t get too excited, Michaela. It’s only a rental. But we’ve got it for two
weeks. You, me, and Buddy are gonna go anywhere you want.”
The RV is a beauty and cost me an arm and a leg. Of course my dipshit
brothers have chalked dirty messages all over it and are currently laughing their asses off.
Just got shackled
Honk if I look pussy whipped
Flash me your tits
I’m learning to drive this big-ass RV - Pass at your own risk
Ask my old lady to take her top off
May or may not be transporting drugs
I look over at them. “Oh, you guys are a riot. Assholes.”
Michaela spins in my arms and grabs my neck in a tight hug. “Thank you, Sly.
“You like it, we can buy it later. For now, we’ve got it for a two-week test drive.”
She pulls back and meets my eyes. “But what about the bar?”
“If you’re cool with it, some of the guys in the club have offered to help run the place while we’re
gone.”
“Really?”
“Um-hmm. You’re family now, Michaela.”
Her face gets soft and her eyes drop to my mouth. She brushes her thumb over my lower lip. “Have I told you today that I love you?”
“Well, there was that deal at the courthouse, but other than that …” I trail off, grinning.
“I love you, Marcus Gates.”
“I love you too, Michaela Gates.”
Later, after the family thing at the bar winds down, Chaos invites us all back to his place for a cookout. Michaela and I change before riding over. I’m happy, happier than I’ve ever been in my life, except for maybe the night I got my full patch and became a King.
We pull up to a big bonfire and everyone is there. Cambri, Savannah, Talia, Aspen, and Apple surround Michaela and drag her off for girl talk.
My brothers and I end up over at the fire, where Chaos passes us each a flask-size bottle of Jack.
He looks around at all of us. “This club—us takin’ over and buildin’ what we’ve built—we really did something, didn’t we?”
“That, we did,” Bash agrees.
We all nod in agreement. I stare around at these men who are such a big part of my life: Chaos, Bash, Jinx, North, and Bouncer. This club saved me after I got out of prison when I was sure I had nothing left. Then, when Chaos called us all into that field one night and asked for our loyalty while he made a move to takeover the club from his ol’ man, we gave that loyalty without question. For a while things got bad, but then they got good—really fucking good, and ever since, this MC has become something we all can be proud of. We do things our way—with no excuses.
Chaos lifts his bottle to make a toast. “I ain’t much for speeches—”
“Bullshit,” North coughs behind his hand, and the group rumbles with laughter.
Chaos huffs out a laugh as well. “Okay, shut the fuck up and listen while I make another one.” He pauses, clearing his throat. “We’ve been through some shit, haven’t we? But through it all, one thing I’ve always known for certain is how fuckin’ glad I am to have all of you as my brothers. Knowin’ you have my back, as I have yours—that’s always been rock-solid for me. Couldn’t imagine this trip we’ve been on with anyone else. You all believed in this club, in me, and in getting us from the past to the future when all I had to give you was an idea and my oath to see it through.” He pounds his chest. “That means everything to me. Everything. We did what we set out to do, and you were all an integral part of that—every one of you—and look at us now, livin’ the life.” He lifts his bottle high. “Here’s to one hell of a ride, boys.”
All six of us raise our bottles and shout, “Kings forever, forever Kings!”
Michaela—
I glance across the field to where Sly and his brothers stand. I never in a million years thought I’d end up marrying one of the Kings of Carnage. But when I think back to that night when I was a young girl and he dashed in to save my da and me from the fire, perhaps it was always destiny that we’d end up together.
I tried to escape this town, and somehow ended up right back here, right where I belong—where I’ve always belonged.
And now I’ve got a man I know I’ll love with all my heart for the rest of my days, one who I can trust with my heart and my life.
I smile, thinking about the adventures we’ll have in the RV Sly surprised me with. My hope for us is that our lives will always be filled with adventures and little surprises.
I’ve got one planned for Sly, tonight. But he’ll have to wait until we’re home. Chastity is reviving her “Here Kitty Kitty” act in one very special encore performance for one very special VIP.
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Dirty Deeds Sneak Peek
Here’s a sneak peek at DIRTY DEEDS: A Devil Kings MC Story (Book 1)
Kara Harbinger’s only crime is having a court judge for a father. One who just happens to be presiding over the criminal case of the President of the Devil Kings MC. The DKs are about to use the biggest Achilles’ heel he’s got to bend him to their will, to buy his decision, to buy his very soul.
Reno—
I want nothing to do with this job, but I can’t get out of it.
As a member of the Devil Kings MC, my life is a violent existence hinged on loyalty to the oath I took: Devil Kings before all else. I’m the club’s muscle, the brother they give the vicious, vile jobs, the dirty deeds. When it comes to my club, I do whatever they ask, whatever they need.
Then I see Kara, all sweet and innocent with her soulful eyes and sexy body. She’s a bright light in my dark existence. In her eyes, I see an escape from the brutal life I’ve lived for so long, a life void of feelings, emotions and light. She gives me the faith to believe I can have more, to believe I can have everything.
What do I do when my VP wants her taken as leverage to use against her father?
What do I do when one look at Kara threatens everything I thought I held dear?
What do I do if they want me to put a gun to her head and end her life?
I’ll have to convince her to trust me if I have any hope of getting us both out of this alive.
Kara—
He’s the only one who can save me.
I’m not supposed to want a man like Reno. He’s dangerous—a lawless, badass, alpha biker. I know I should be afraid, but the way he looks at me, with hunger in his eyes makes me want to become his.
I believed the lies he told me. I thought he was a good guy.
But when he takes me hostage, everything I thought about him is turned on its head.
Now he expects me to trust him, even as he holds me captive.
How can I trust a man whose loyalty is to his club, a club that wants me dead?
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Dirty Deals Sneak Peek
Here’s a sneak peek at DIRTY DEALS: A Devil Kings MC Story (Book 2)
Rusty—
I’m standing at the gun counter of the local sporting goods store, wishing I were anywhere else. Reno dragged me in here with him to get a birthday present for his ol’ lady, Kara. I had no idea he meant a pistol. He’s got a little Sig Sauer P238 in his hand, pink camo, no less.
“She’s left-handed,” he tells the sales guy.
“No problem. We can order her the external thumb safety conversion kit.”
Reno nods. “I’ll need that.”
“It’s a good little gun. Light weight, no recoil, and the slide’s easy,” the guy says.
“She’ll love it,” I agree, grinning. “All chicks want a gun.”
“Don’t be a dick. I want her to be safe,” he snaps.
I can’t help giving him hell. Butterfly’s kept him on his toes for months. The boy is head-over-heels lovesick. I can’t help but feel a little jealous.
The clerk moves off to order the conversion kit and another clerk waits on someone farther down the long glass case that extends about twenty feet across the back wall of the store.
“What can I help you with, ma’am?”
I’m leaning on the glass with an elbow, facing Reno, my back to them, when I hear the woman respond.
“I’m looking for a small handgun, please.”
I recognize the voice straight off. It’s the beauty I encountered on the side of the road last week. I straighten, my eyes swiveling over my shoulder. It’s her, all right. I can’t believe my luck. What the hell is she doing in here, buying a gun, no less? I abandon Reno and walk closer to overhear the conversation, but I hand back near a display, pretending a sudden interest in duck calls. The old man waiting on her shows her the features and benefits of a small Ruger.
She tries it in her hand. With hardly more consideration than she’d take picking out a pack of gum, she hands it back. “I’ll take one. Can you put it in a case for me?”
“Ma’am, I’m sorry, but there’s a waiting period. You won’t be able to take it with you today. I’ll need to fill out some paperwork first,
and you’ll have to come back to pick it up.”
“Oh.” Her body deflates at the news, and she swallows. “All right.”
The old man goes off to get the necessary forms, and I move in.
Almost immediately she feels my presence, and her head jerks up. Her eyes widen. “Oh, it’s you.”
“How are you?”
“Fine and you?”
I frown down at her. She seems nervous. I lift my chin at the Ruger sitting in the glass case. “Please tell me I’m not the reason you’re buying that gun, darlin’.”
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About the Author
Nicole James is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of passionate, dangerous, addicting romance where the badass hero will do anything for the woman he loves…
The Evil Dead MC Series, The Devil Kings MC Series, The Kings of Carnage MC Series and The Brothers Ink Tattoo Series.
She makes her home in Alabama.
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